Contents[Hide]

Blender Buying Guide

Let's face it, blenders are a welcome addition to any kitchen -- whether for the occasional cocktail party or for regular use whipping up delicious fruit smoothies on a daily basis. Increasingly blenders are becoming more versatile, with heavy duty settings for dryer ingredients and food processing capabilities. Like most electric household goods, blenders come with an array of options. Read on to learn more about the types of blenders on the market.  

One of the most important things to consider is how you plan to use your blender.

  • If you're a smoothie nut and love to have one every morning, look for a blender that can handle a heavy workload.
  • Do you want one just for the occasional margarita party? You probably don't need a workhorse, but if you entertain large crowds, capacity is going to be important.

As with most appliances that last a long time, buy the best one you can afford; a good blender can last for 20 years or more, which definitely gives you your money's worth.

Features To Look For

  • Power: The higher wattage, the stronger motor. Look for a model that has at least 500 watts. 
  • Speeds: Most models come with at least two speeds. KitchenAid KSB5  and some Breville  models feature five speeds for all your blending needs.
  • Jug Size: Measured in litres, with a range of 1.2L to  2L.
  • Non-slip feet:  To assist in keeping the blender on the counter while running.
  • Warranty: 12 month warranties seem to be the standard. The Sunbeam Cafe series PB9500  has a 1000 watt motor with a five year guarantee.

Popular Blender Manufacturers

Breville 

KitchenAid 

DeLonghi 

Sunbeam  

Panasonic 

Countertop Blenders vs. Handhelds  

There are two main types of blender available: countertop  and handheld.  This comparison will help you decide which suits your needs.

Blender Types

Countertop Blenders 

Useful for making smoothies, ice-based drinks (ie, margaritas), milkshakes, etc., but they can also be used for blending smooth soups and for puréeing ingredients for use in other recipes. (For more information on the differences between blenders and food processors, see Food Processors.)

  • Power: 350 - 1000 watts. Higher wattage means more powerful blending.
  • Speeds: You probably don't need 5 speeds since ultimately the highest speeds on all models in the same power range will be about the same. A pulse button is a very handy feature.
  • Design: Unless you leave your blender out all the time, function should come before appearance. Look for blenders with a sturdy base, solid construction, and easy-to-clean parts. A good blender can last a long time if you care for it well. Be sure to buy one that's well built.
  • Materials: A plastic blending chamber is lighter and cheaper, but ultimately is not as sturdy or scratch-resistant as a glass chamber. Some blenders offer stainless steel chambers -- the downside is you can't see what you're blending.

Hand Blenders 

Also known as immersion blenders ; mainly used for pureeing soups and sauces, although with a handful of included attachments they can be used for a wide variety of tasks including whisking and emulsifying salad dressings. Check out the Breville Wizz Stick Professional. 

  • Power: 320 - 600 watts. Usually the higher powered models can do other things like chopping.
  • Attachments: Want more from your blender? Many hand blenders have attachments for whisking and chopping. Some can even finely mince herbs.
  • Speeds: Look for models with a pulse option and more than one speed.
  • Safety: Look for models that can be used, cleaned and stored safely.
  • Storage: Some models come with hooks or wall brackets so that they can be easily stored off the countertop.
  • Cleaning: Are the parts dishwasher safe?
  • Cordless: Some people like the ease and convenience of moving around without a cumbersome cord while cooking. This can be useful if you don't mind recharging the battery and if you aren't extremely bent on having the best power.

Related Buying Guides

Food Processors

Juicers

Meat Grinders

Coffee Grinders